Tawaif
Keren Sondi
An Exploration of Femininity through Dance: Part II
Developed as the second part of a wider exploration into dance as an expression of femininity, this collection explores the historical figure of the Indian tawaif through themes of agency, sensuality and artistry.
The collection reimagines the legacy of the tawaif, the highly trained dancers, poets and cultural figures of 19th-century Mughal India, through a contemporary sports-luxury lens. Draped silhouettes draw on traditional anarkali costumes, saris and flowing dupattas, while hooded jackets, cord details, racerbacks and duffle bags introduce the language of modern sportswear. Rich satins are layered with sweeping georgette to create movement and fluidity, balancing elegance with athleticism.
The vibrant colour palette is inspired by both the bold tones of contemporary sportswear and the Gulabi Gang, with “gulabi” meaning pink, a female-led vigilante movement in India whose use of colour symbolises visibility, solidarity and resistance. By combining traditional Indian dress with contemporary sportswear, the collection reimagines the tawaif as a figure of agency, confidence and self-possession.
Keren Sondi is a London-based fashion designer from Southall, whose work explores femininity and cultural identity through a contemporary womenswear lens. Growing up in one of London’s largest South Asian communities has shaped her interest in colour, drape, adornment and the relationship between dress and heritage. Through reimagining tradition, she seeks to create womenswear shaped by the duality of South Asian culture and modern British life.
Look 1 from the University of Westminster Graduate Show
Look 2 from the University of Westminster Graduate Show
